New recruits to the Marines are expected to undertake the Initial Strength Test (IST), which is made up of three components.
1. Pull-Ups. Recruits can mount the bar with their hands facing toward or away from them; however, they are not allowed raise their legs above the waist. A repetition is completed by bending the arms and pulling up until the chin goes above the bar, then lowering until arms are straight. Recruits are required to complete two repetitions at minimum.
2. Crunches. The recruit lies on his or her back with feet planted on the ground and knees flexed. The arms are crossed on the chest, with no gap allowed between chest and forearm. The upper body must then be raised a minimum of 44 times in two minutes, with the recruits’ forearms touching their thighs each time.
3. Timed Run. Male recruits are expected to complete a 1.5-mile run in 13:30, while female recruits are granted 15 minutes.